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Brooklyn Heights Cinema Owner in Talks to Take Over ReBar Space

By Janet Upadhye | August 13, 2014 12:18pm
 The Brooklyn Heights Cinema is being forced to leave its current venue by the building's new owner.
The Brooklyn Heights Cinema is being forced to leave its current venue by the building's new owner.
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Flickr/Thomas Hawk, klarapix

DUMBO — Brooklyn Heights Cinema owner Kenn Lowy is considering a move to the former reBar theater space in DUMBO — but the plans are still in the early stages, he said.

Lowy, who is being forced to leave his current spot after the building was sold to new owners, is in talks to rent the single-screen cinema that was part of the complex abruptly shuttered last May by former owner Jason Stevens

Stevens is now serving up to 10 years in prison on charges of grand larceny and on the hook for restitution after leaving dozens of couples in the lurch.

The move to reBar would represent a downsize for Lowy, whose current venue located at 70 Henry St. has two theaters with 150 seats each. The theater at reBar seats just 60 people.

In addition, Lowy said said the reBar space could be costly. "They want a lot for the rent," Lowy tweeted. "A LOT!"

Stevens paid $17,907 a month for the 5,000-square-foot space that housed a bar, restaurant and cinema.

Lowy is in talks to rent the 1,400-square-foot theater space adjacent to the gastropub. It is unlcear what the new rental prices would be. Lowy is also considering other options in DUMBO and other Brooklyn neighborhoods, he said.

ReBar site owner Joshua Guttman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lowy plans to cart his digital projector and other expensive equipment, that he bought using funds raised in a successful Kickstarter campaign earlier this year, to the new venue.

He also plans to keep his original moniker — even if he ends up in DUMBO.

"People know the name Brooklyn Heights Cinema," he told DNAinfo New York. "I want them to know that it's still us."